Marlin Model 39A 39-A Octagon, Scarce Blue 24” Lever Action Tube Fed Takedown Rifle, MFD 1973
Sold For : $832.00
LSB#: 160802DG01
Make: Marlin
Model: 39A Octagonal Rifle
Serial Number: 27127567
Year of Manufacture: 1973 (http://oldguns.net/sn_php/marlinlookup.php)
Caliber: .22 Short, Long & Long Rifle (Standard Velocity)
Action Type: Lever Action, Tube Magazine Fed Takedown Rifle
Markings: The barrel is marked “MOD. 39A OCTAGON / THE MARLIN FIREARMS CO., / NORTH HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. / CAL. .22 S, L. LR.”, with “JM” in oval. The upper tang has the serial number, which is found again on the inside of the receiver. The butt plate is marked with the “M.F.A.Co.” monogram and “MARLIN / SAFETY”.
Barrel Length: 24”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, integral to a base that is dovetailed onto the barrel and the rear sight is a “U” notched leaf in a flip-up base on a slide-step elevator assembly, which is dovetailed onto the barrel. The top of the receiver has three drilled and tapped holes, only one of the 3 holes has a screw installed (this is the original hole, the other two were made outside of the factory but have nice alignment, as photographed).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece walnut set, the forend has a metal nose cap, this stock shows only faint compression marks. The butt stock has a squared semi-pistol grip and a QD sling stud installed into the belly; the forward QD stud is found on a base attached to the magazine tube. The butt stock’s grain and hue are exceptional, as photographed! The stock shows scattered scuff compression marks and a small chip loss aft of the QD stud. There are no cracks or major damages. The LOP measures 13 ¾” from the front of the trigger to the back of the black plastic semi-curved butt plate; the plate has light scuff and compression marks with no cracks or major damages. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the Micro-Groove rifling is highly defined. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 88% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows scattered light handling marks on the surfaces; the barrel has some instances of edge thinning, the receiver has a few areas of extremely light pin prick surface erosion. There is normal operational wear on the hammer and trigger, the lever has handling wear as photographed. The top of the receiver and first few inches of the barrel have scuffing from a previous scope mount (not included). The screw heads are sharp, the takedown bolt slot shows moderate wear. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This rifle has a neat takedown feature that allows the rifle to be disassembled into two pieces within seconds. The tube magazine holds 19 rounds of .22 Long Rifle. The action is smooth and the trigger is crisp. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a black alloy hammer extension, which is removable, showing only light marks, in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: Most of us are familiar with Marlin’s legendary 39A lever action rifle, but in 1973 only 2,551 (Blue Book of Gun Values) rifle versions of the 39A were made with 24” octagonal barrels. Already famous for its incredibly accurate Micro-Groove barrels, the extra few inches on this bad boy will surely make a difference for that critical varmint or plinker shot. This 39A has beautiful grain to its American walnut stocks, the metal retains about 88% of its blued finish and the action is as smooth as one could ever wish for. If you’re a Marlin collector, this would be a nice addition to your safe; if you are a hobbyist that is looking for the next all-around great rimfire rifle, this is a leading candidate. Please see our pictures and good luck.
